At a community discussion, the microphone can reach the nearest hand rather than the person who was waiting. A visible speaking queue helps the facilitator distinguish who is ready from who is simply sitting close to the equipment.
Agree on a modest method before questions begin. One volunteer can keep first names or seat positions while another carries the microphone. Offer a way to submit a written question too, without promising anonymity if the collection method cannot provide it.
Try a short rehearsal
Imagine three hands rising together and a fourth person asking to respond to the current speaker. Decide how that response will fit: immediately, after the existing queue, or at the facilitator’s discretion. Explain the choice aloud so participants do not have to infer a hidden rule.
When a person passes their turn, acknowledge it and continue. They should not have to justify the decision publicly. If time is running out, say how many contributions remain and where unanswered questions can go.
The queue should support participation rather than become a public scorecard. Do not display personal contact details or keep names longer than the activity needs.
Afterwards, ask the volunteers which transition caused confusion. A change to the hand signal or queue announcement may be more useful than writing a longer set of meeting rules.
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